Sheff's lookin' cooked  —  Moose is near pact  —  While the Yankees were getting a head start yesterday on plotting Gary Sheffield's path out of New York, they were also close to finalizing a deal that would keep Mike Mussina in pinstripes for the next two seasons.

RANGERS NOTES  —  Rangers close in on decision time  —  The Rangers have scheduled their final interview for the vacant manager's position.  —  Oakland third base coach Ron Washington will return Sunday for a second interview, and will meet with owner Tom Hicks, general manager Jon Daniels and assistant GM Thad Levine.

Cameron wins Gold, then asks for Baker  —  Center fielder 'big fan' of manager candidate  —  Awarded a Gold Glove yesterday, Padres center fielder Mike Cameron knows who the perfect catch would be in the club's managerial search.  —  "This is my opportunity to vouch for Dusty Baker," an excited Cameron told San Diego reporters.

Bonds' act was a big problem for the Giants  —  The prevailing opinion is that the Giants will seek to re-sign Barry Bonds, who needs 22 home runs to break the all-time record, but sources said the club is weighing many factors.  —  Money is only one factor.

Kasten defends managerial search  —  The Washington Nationals likely will name their new manager within the next two weeks, according to team president Stan Kasten, who insisted the search to replace Frank Robinson has proceeded as planned despite perception around baseball to the contrary.

Dodgers decline Gagne's 2007 option  —  Injured closer becomes free agent, can sign with any club  —  LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers declined a $12 million option on reliever Eric Gagne for 2007 on Friday and instead paid a $1 million buyout, an expected move that grants the injured Gagne free agency …

Carroll disappointed by Glove snub  —  The inequity was alarming.  In a year when he barely missed a single groundball, Rockies second baseman Jamey Carroll failed Friday to catch his first Gold Glove.  —  Despite committing just three errors at second base, two on the Barry Bonds' shift …

Howard's homers power MLB in win  —  TOKYO — Ryan Howard spent his morning and early afternoon on Saturday playing the part of a Tokyo tourist.  Along with his mother, sister and several other MLB stars, Howard saw the historic Kannon Temple, did some shopping on Nakamise Street and took a cruise through the Sumida River.

Wind blew Lidle's plane off course  —  Investigators say the plane may have stalled after attempting a sharp U-turn.  —  WASHINGTON - A light wind was cited by federal investigators yesterday for blowing a small airplane carrying Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle off course and into a New York City high-rise on Oct. 11.